LAWLESSNESS versus GODLINESS
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Why doesn’t our younger generation respect
authority and the laws of our land? Why do they feel the need to protect
criminals instead of America’s citizens? Where are common sense and eyes to see
clear-cut right and wrong? And why do some so-called leaders desire the demise
of our country, spew lies, and egg-on rioters?
What happened to our Land of the Free and
Home of the Brave? How did our older generation fail to pass on respect for
our President, law enforcement, and care for fellow citizens with different
opinions? Why could we not impart sanity, good judgment, rational, and critical
thinking? And most importantly, why were we unable to convey a love for this
great nation, a sense of ownership, and a responsibility to keep America safe
from foreign invaders and evil?
It’s a mystery.
Still, the chaos in our nation suggests we
failed in some way. Not with all, because many of our young adults are using
their God-given intellect and common sense. They love the LORD and our country,
and want to restore law and order.
For almost 250 years, we’ve had a government of
the people, by the people, and for the people, as President Lincoln said.
But as hard as we try to hold on to it, big city politicians and rioters,
causing confusion and anarchy, are yanking it out of our hands.
Why? It makes no sense unless you consider the
Word of God. Scripture speaks of mysteries or hidden truths, one of lawlessness
and another of godliness.
In AD 50, God through Paul warned the
Thessalonian church that the mystery of lawlessness was already at work.
What did he mean? With Adam’s disobedience, sin spread to the whole world, and
evil has been operating since then. However, for the time being, lawlessness is
restrained by God’s Holy Spirit, indwelling true believers.[1]
Fourteen years later, Paul wrote about another
hidden truth—the mystery of godliness. He explained it was Jesus, God in
flesh with us. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, validated Him, and after
His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus was received up in glory. Angels saw
Him, Paul and others preached His gospel to the Gentiles, and as a result, the
Lord Jesus Christ has been believed on in the world.[2]
Those of us who have heard His true gospel
have seen our lives transformed.
When Jesus died on the cross for our sins and
arose the third day, Satan, the god of this world, was defeated. However, he
has yet to be permanently incarcerated. So, the mystery of godliness was a
TRUTH that needed to be hidden until all was accomplished.
What truth? Before Jesus ascended, He revealed
it, saying, “…you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon
you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”[3]
Satan thought he had won when he instigated the
crucifixion. He had no idea this very thing would seal his doom. Had he known,
he never would have crucified the Lord of glory.[4]
Still, humans are no match for fallen angels.
Believers would need power to live in this world.
What power? “…Christ
in you, the hope of glory.”[5]
Because His Spirit indwells, we have His power
to say no to sin and to stand against Satan and his minions, the
principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness[6] who incite riots and
anarchy. While true believers aren’t surprised by lawlessness, human
sin, anger, and self-centeredness, Satan was surprised by godliness.
How do we combat lawlessness? Peter said, God’s
“…divine power has given to us all things that pertain
to life and godliness…” So, put on your armor, stand
strong, and as my friend Patty says, pray hard![7]
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